Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 GMC Jimmy owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving along the pennsylvania turnpike I had my 1997 GMC Jimmy in cruise control. I taped to brake to turn off the cruise control. After resuming the cruise control the vehicle began picking up speed much to fast. I again tapped the brake and shut off the cruise control. I then heard what seemed like a flat tire, I began pulling off of the road. As I looked in the passenger side mirror I could see flames coming from the passenger side rear of the vehicle. After stopping the vehicle I said to my mother the passenger "the vehicle is on fire get out" after she opened the door the flames tornadoed and came inside the vehicle and started everything on fire. I then pulled my mother over the console and dragged her away to safety, the vehicle in less than 20 seconds was engulfed in flames.
Windshield wipers do not work all the time. I was in a bad rainstorm last night and had to pull off the road because we couldn't see anything. Scary - this is a potential big law suit for GMC if anyone dies in an accident due to this common complaint. My GMC mechanic revealed that this happens on almost all GMC Jimmy's, yet there is no recall to replace the defective part to date. Transmission - slipped badly. I paid to have it replaced and sometimes it still slips. This transmission repair shop said that this is common with the Jimmy, as well as a faulty gas gauge, faulty ball joints and oxygen sensors. I did have to replace the oxygen sensor, but I consider that normal repairs.
Dt:the contact stated the upper and lower ball joints on both sides broke while driving in a parking lot. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership, where the ball joints and the anti lock brake sensors were replaced. Contacted the manufacturer, there were NHTSA recalls 01i018000 and 01V200000, but this vehicle was not included in the recalls due to VIN. In addition, this vehicle experienced several other problems as well. The left door broke off while in the driveway, the male joint of the door broke when shutting the door. Also, the transmission and anti lock brakes were replaced. The anti lock brake sensor was replaced twice.
Transmission slipping again...shift with gas pedal...let off on gas & let rpms drop to allow trans to shift. Dealership told me that they no longer service transmissions, too much hassle - will sell me a new one for $2500 plus labor @ another $900 to $1200...limited to only 6 months of coverage! I know of at least 10 other blazaer and Jimmy owners at fort bliss that have had same tramsmission problems. An investigation should be opened to recall this transmission. I can be reached anytime at [phone] to further clarify my concerns...cpt burgess.
Transmission failure / replaced transmission - upper & lower ball joint failure / replaced upper & lower ball joints - rear window wiper failure / inoperable at this point - extremely expensive replacements with no old parts available at this point. Events leading up to failure I can only attribute to severely poor manufacturing of products, there was no operating misuse or abuse. Also other parts that have failed and have since been replaced are the: alternator, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator and cooling system failures.
Ignition switch has failed and been replaced twice in past 4 years (10/2000 & 8/2003). When it fails, the transmission fails to shift properly and the vehicle loses power and/or stalls. This creates a very dangerous situation, especially if you are in heavy traffic with your entire family. I have been told by GM technicians that this is a common problem due to poor design, engineering and mfg quality.
The transmission intermittently slips into, but not fully, 4wd when the vehicle is put in reverse. There is a very noticable noise that sounds like the transmission is not fully engaged. The only way to eliminate the noise is to shift the vehicle into 4wd and then back into 2wd. The vehicle has been brought back to the dealer on at least 4 occasions with this complaint. They have not been able to duplicate the problem and therefore have not done any research. On December 19th, 2000 the symptom reappeared after backing my car out of the driveway and I immediately brought it to the dealer. The service manager then test drove the vehicle and noted that the problem I described previously does exist and scheduled me to bring in the truck on Thursday, December 28, 2000. …
Transmission has a history of "shifting hard" between 1st and 2nd, especially when warm. During a routine oil change, mechanic noticed a "rusted trans dip stick". Though protested by GM as a defect, extended warenty covered. I had to go elsewhere for trans flush, dealer did not have equipment. Problem persists through 2000. Trasmission overheated on hwy causing overflow and slipage. Dealer found "rust in radiator" and "debrise in trans". Had to replace radiator/flush engine and trans. At my expense 1/2001. Now, with warmer weather, trans. Oil is "varnished" and shift hard between 1 & 2nd again just 5000 miles later. Engine lite on. Found multible simular complaints at http://www.thecomplaintstation.com/g/gm_toc.htm. GM is not recognizing what appears to be an expensive, chronic problem with transmission and associated cooling components. …
This vehicle has been a nightmare...unfortunately it was a spur of the moment purchase. Although used, with only 39,000 miles, I thought I would be OK since it had an extended warranty till 72,000. I have replaced both upper and lower ball joints, idler arm, alternator, belt tensioner, ignition switch, 4wd sensors, gas gauge sensor, left rear axle shaft and both rear axle bearings. At least these were all covered under the warranty, but not the rental cars for all the time the truck spent in the shop. Now the vehicle has 90,000 miles and the dealership is telling me that the recall for the ball joints does not pertain to my truck (the VIN # is not included), the transmission dipstick is rusted (I've seen several complaints but no recall), my accelerator pedal sticks severely (also numerous complaints), and I've already replaced (out of pocket cost of $1700) a complete rear end. …
Vehicle suddenly accelerated when idiling. Dealer has been contacted, and has replaced fuel injectors. Please provide further details. The heating system malfunctioned due to heating core failure. The A/C was not blowing warm air. There was a clicking noise from the engine area because the power steering pump was leaking fluid. The vehicle leans to the left due to torsion bar out of adjustment. Front left and right axle seals were leaking. Transmission was leaking. Back window had air leak. The rear wiper sticks due to wiper motor failure. Front end makes clunking noise due to ball joint failure. There was clunk noise when shifting into gear due to rear d-shaft and u-joint failures. The intake gasket was leaking and was replaced. The throttle sticks. The serpentine belt failed and was replaced.
Transmission complaints in other Jimmy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 GMC Jimmy?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 GMC Jimmy, 12% of the model year's 274 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (22 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 GMC Jimmy transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1997 GMC Jimmy, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 GMC Jimmy transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.